Equipping fathers to live active, involved, healthy lives with their children

Jerome - October 2018

It is an honor to showcase this month’s Featured Fit Dad, Jerome.

Jerome consistently has a positive and grateful outlook on not just fitness, but on life and faith, and the fact that he’s nearing 50 years old and in rocking shape physically is no small feat. Plus, I just love the fact that he’s a twin, who married a twin, and they now have twins. Ha!

Make sure you read his words of encouragement at the end of his interview, as what he says about the loneliness that can occur when you dedicate yourself to a healthy lifestyle is something a lot of men struggle with, and Jerome and I want everyone reading this to know that we are a listening ear if you need someone to talk to.

Here is Jerome’s story:

When did you first get into fitness?

I was in the 10th grade and wanted to get muscles. I was a skinny, tall guy.

What activities do you do to keep fit and active?

I do weight training 5 days a week, cardio 6 days a week with 1 day off. As well as running nonstop with my 12-year-old twins going to the park, Disneyland, riding scooters, and swimming. I am pretty regimented with my diet, which includes high-protein, low-carb with 2 to 3 cheat meals a week. I only drink coffee, water, tea and occasional red wine or whiskey twice a month on my cheat meal days….this keeps me happy and the wife….lol!

What is your favorite fitness memory or achievement?

Graduating from UCLA, which was my dream college. That was when I took my fitness goals to the next level because I was on a mission to get muscles and be lean. I thought that would be a good way to get a college girl. I had my share of being the tall, skinny bean pole. LOL!!! I ended up with the hottest twin (to me anyway) I was hoping to make my girlfriend/college sweetheart and eventually she became my wife of 20 years and counting. Yup….a twin, married a twin, and they had twins.

What is your favorite workout?

Chest, Arms, Abs, and a very hot sauna after workouts.

In what ways do you hope to influence your children through fitness?

I stand today as a 46-year-old man in the BEST shape of his life and will continue to only strive to get better. Throughout this process, my hope is to influence my twins to live healthy active lives. Make good decisions when it comes to eating and drinking. If you want a “good” body….you must put “good” into it. Always love your body, and who you are. Health is more than what you're eating. It's what your thinking, saying and believing....if my babies follow those rules they will be the strongest, smartest, and healthiest version of them self.

What words of encouragement would you have for other dads out there who want to be healthy and fit?

You’re always one decision away from a total different life….for me I’ve chosen to move forward toward goals no matter the opinions. It’s funny…..it gets real lonely when you decide to change your life for the better, meaning…..eating better, working out and just an all-around healthier lifestyle. You get teased, judged, talked about, and made fun of by family, friends, and acquaintances. It’s kinda true when they say it’s the 1%ers.

I would have to say to every father out there….take charge of your life now. Choose to live healthy not only for you, but for your kids, family, and loved ones. I have had disappointments, plateaus, and discouraging outcomes throughout my fitness goals. However, I am thankful to have the support and commitment to trust the entire process. It won’t happen overnight.

My purpose is not to gain material things. First and foremost, I serve God. When you put God first in everything, all will be as it should. For me and always….hoping to inspire some throughout my journey, I declare FAITH, FAMILY, FITNESS. Fathers take charge...your health is a lifelong investment.

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 3:14